By: Kenny Kaminsky | Follow me on X / Twitter @KennyKaminskyy
Unfortunately, the Boston Bruins’ prospect pool has been unjustly overlooked league-wide this offseason. Since Matthew Poitras, Mason Lohrei, and John Beecher graduated from prospect status, the Bruins have started rebuilding their future. One of Boston’s best prospects is Forward John Farinacci. The 23-year-old has one more year on his entry-level contract with the organization.
John Farinacci has had an odd route to the NHL. During his high school years, he played for three academies. John spent his Freshman season at the Delbarton School in New Jersey. He transferred to the Legendary Shattuck St. Mary’s Academy in Minnesota his sophomore year. Farinacci moved back east to play for Dexter Southfield to complete his final two high school years. Although John experienced a lot of change during his high school career, the common theme was that he excelled academically and on the ice.
After the conclusion of his senior year, Farinacci didn’t go too far, as he committed to play for Head Coach Ted Donato at Harvard University. The current 5-foot-11 forward had a fantastic freshman campaign for the Crimson, tallying 22 points in 35 games. In 2020, John faced a tough decision: either stay with Harvard and lose a year of NCAA eligibility or transfer to another non-Ivy League school to finish his college career. He chose to stick it out with the Crimson but played that 2021 season in the United States Hockey League for the Muskegon Lumberjacks.
Leaving college to play in the USHL was a blessing in disguise for Farinacci, as he dominated in the shortened season. He was so impactful that USA Hockey selected him to represent the Stars and Stripes in the World Junior Hockey Championship. He impressed on the world stage, potting five goals and two assists for seven points in seven games. Farinacci even scored a crucial goal in the semi-finals, helping propel the US over Finland. Farinacci was pivotal for the US en route to a Gold Medal.
The Ivy League announced they would allow their teams to play during the 2021-22 season, so Farinacci returned to Harvard for his Junior year, ready to lead the Crimson to victory. Despite all the players who had jumped ship the previous season, the team didn’t skip a beat. They dominated in conference play and won the Eastern College Athletic Conference championship. Farinacci had a little trouble re-integrating into the fast-paced college game, only having 19 points in 29 games.
Farinacci was honored with the team captaincy role to kick off his Senior campaign, and he would be a massive part of Harvard’s fantastic season. The Red Bank, New Jersey native bounced back after a disappointing season with 20 points in 19 games. Unfortunately, Harvard hit a bump at the worst time, losing in the ECAC finals to an underdog Colgate team with only two National Hockey League draft picks compared to Harvard’s 14 NHL draftees. When it rained, it poured for the Crimson as after that stunning loss to Colgate, they would make it to the NCAA Regionals with an at-large bid, where they got demolished by Ohio State 8-1.
In 2019, the Arizona Coyotes selected Farinacci in the third round, but after his college career concluded, the team neglected to sign him. So Boston Bruins General Manager Don Sweeney jumped on the opportunity to sign the up-and-comer and inked him to a two-year entry-level contract. This past season, Farinacci played for the Providence Bruins. His elite vision on the ice was exciting for fans, and he seemed comfortable at this next level. John finished the season with 38 points in 71 games and contributed two points in four games during the playoffs.
Farinacci was recently invited to represent the Bruins in the Prospects Challenge in Buffalo, New York. He appeared on the first line in both games and made an impact. John would make such a good impression that he would be scratched from the final game so he could prepare for training camp with Boston. Although it will be difficult for Farinacci to make the opening night lineup, I would not count him out. Many coaches have praised him for his work ethic. If he does end up in Providence again, he could be a call-up candidate.
When he signed with the Bruins over a year ago, he was an under-the-radar pickup, and many people didn’t know what to expect. Farinacci burst onto the scene last year, and I still believe he hasn’t gotten the respect he deserves as a prospect. A step forward this season could mean a promotion to the NHL squad and a shiny new contract for the foreseeable future. When watching Farinacci play, you see his unbelievable hockey sense and incredible passing ability. Fans still await that lethal scoring potential he showcased during the World Juniors. Expect him to climb the prospect ranking this season as his confidence grows. Fans should be excited to see his full capabilities this season.
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